Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America

April 2010 Next Meeting Traveling in the Past and Present April 13, 2010 Old Antique Auto Museum 6:00 pm Dinner 6:45 pm Meeting Tallahassee Region ...
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April 2010 Next Meeting

Traveling in the Past and Present

April 13, 2010 Old Antique Auto Museum 6:00 pm Dinner 6:45 pm Meeting

Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America TRAACA Members head south for the Winter! The Winter Meet that is! By Bill O’Rourke Our club has four active car judges in AACA Judging: Jack Hanbury, Senior Master Judge, John Schanbacher, Senior Master Judge, Bill Brundydge, Senior Judge and myself a Master Judge. John Schanbacher and I signed up to judge at the Winter National Meet in Homestead,Fl.. John and his wife Glenda in his motor home and my wife Peggy and I in our motor home caravanned to Homestead, just a little over 500 miles to the show. The show was held at the NASCAR Race Track and we were permitted to camp at the track in one of the many parking lots in front. When we arrived Thursday at the track the weather was not any warmer than here, in the low 60’s and very windy. Friday the weather was about the same. On Friday John and I attend Judges School in the morning and afterwards we all did a little exploring of the area. Homestead and the Everglades National Park. We decided that after the show on Saturday that we would be tourists on Sunday and Monday. Saturday was a beautiful day. There was a slight breeze and the temperature was in the low 70’s. There were about 250 cars registered in the show, from a Mercedes-Benz Gulwing to a Nash Metropolitan and everything in between. It was a great day for a car show but any day at a car show is a great day. John judged trucks and I did production cars from 1962 to 1965. John and I like judging. You feel so much a part of the whole hobby. Sunday morning found us in the parking lot alone. Just about 99 percent of everything related to the show was gone. But AACA had made arrangements with the track that we could stay there up to a week after the show if we so wished. So we were told. This was the day we decided to tour the Everglades

and take a Airboat Ride. The airboat ride was on Peggy’s “Bucket List “ since 1964. Lots of wild life, birds and alligators. Fortunately we saw no pythons. The boat ride was everything we expected it to be, great! Monday we were up early and off to Key West. The ride was a little over 2 hours. The first thing we did was to go on the tram tour of the Island. The tram ride was a little long but we did see everything there was to see. After the tour we had a very good lunch along the water front and then headed back to the motor homes. When we arrived at the lot where the motor homes were parked, the access gate was locked. Not a good thing. Now we had to ride around the race track complex and find a security guard to open the gate for us. Got to bed a little late that evening. Next morning after breakfast, we bid farewell to the Schanbachers who returned home going up the east coast and we returned on the west coast. It was a good trip and great fellowship. Next, Southeastern Spring Meet, Charlotte, NC. (Pictures of the trip on page 5)

Club Officers President Richard Duley 5432 Pinderton Way Tallahassee, FL 32312 850-878-7007 Vice President Bill Brundydge 771 FL-GA Hwy Havana, FL 32333 850-562-2412 Secretary John Schanbacher 517 Collinsford Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-878-3036 Treasurer Carol Love 169 Mulberry Circle Crawfordville, FL 32327 850-926-2820 Newsletter/Web Editor Bob Love 169 Mulberry Circle Crawfordville, FL 32327 850-284-0635

April Birthdays 2 3 3 5 12 12 15 18 22 25 28 28 29 29

Bob Finley Jim Tyson Jackson Gladwin Peter Zulinke Mary Brock Dan Rainey Jack Hanbury Barbara Herzog Don Pumphrey Wease Kaylor Rebecca Shaner Peter Zulinke E’lane Shuler James Long

Happy Birthday 

Tallahassee Chassee

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April 2010

TALLAHASSEE REGION, AACA MEETING MINUTES March 09, 2010 Tallahassee Antique Car Museum (Old Location) There were approximately 43 members in attendance. Opening Prayer:

Ed Shuler

Welcome: Richard Duley – Richard Duley greeted everyone and thanked them for their attendance. 50/50 Drawing: The winner was Shirley Moore. Announcements & Reports: Richard Duley Neal Davis reported that there will be a Soap Box Derby race this weekend at the Summit East Office Park. Committee Reports: Sunshine: - Lois Duley We need to be aware that Nancy Davis, Ada Alice Wells, Nancy Thompson and Larry Benson are having health considerations; Jay Mottice continues to have considerations. Please keep them and others who may be having problems in your prayers. Please let Glenda or Lois know of members who may be having problems the club should be aware of. Tours: Bill O'Rourke The tour on Saturday, February 27, 2010 was well attended with approximately 15 cars and nearly thirty members. It proceeded from Hardee's, went to the Hurst collection in Havana, visited Wayne Lashley's garage in Havana, then to Norm Madsen's shop. Lunch was at the Country Kitchen. The tour for March 13th is listed below. Treasurer's Report: Carol Love gave the report, details available from her. Coming Events: Mar 12, 2010 - 8:30 AM Cracker Barrel Mar 12, 2010 - Noon Quincy Gulf Station Mar 13, 2010 - Tour to Birdsong Plantation, Cairo Antique Auto Museum and Lunch at Mr. Chick. Meet at Hardee's at 8:00 AM, leave 9:00 AM. Apr 10, 2010 - Car show at Leon High School - arrive at 11:00 AM, show from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. Free. Apr 10, 2010 - Classic Chevy "Spring Fling" show at the Tallahassee Antique Auto Museum. Registration at 8:00 AM, fee $20.00. April 15, 2010 - Car display at the Immanuel Baptist Church - We are invited to attend (lunch provided for participants); show up around 10:00 AM, display from 10:30 to 11:30 +/-. This was postponed from January 21, 2010 due to weather. April 24, 2010 - Tour to the display at "Mill Town", Lakeland, Georgia. Details coming at the next meeting. May 7-8, 2010 - "22nd Annual Great Southern Antique Car Rally", Cairo, Ga. More details next meeting and on our Web Site. This will be our May Tour. See our website http://traaca.org for more events. Click on “Club News and Calendar” for National AACA activities www.aaca.org.

Also, visit the National website

Old Business: 1. 2010 Dues renewal is now $30.00. Of course, new members will be $20.00. We have been notified from National that several of our members have not renewed with them. They have been notified. It is required that all TRAACA members MUST be paid up members of the National AACA. New Business: - None this Month. Program: "Classic Consoles" - Jeffery Will, President Mr. Will described how his company began with his experience with parachute sewing; from there he went into upholstery work. His console line up began with a "Humphugger" for mustangs in 1997 and grew from there. consoles and drink holders. He now operates from an industrial park in Cairo, Georgia.

As of 2008, he has sold over 75,000

He offers a discount for club members making the "Humphugger" available for $69; regular price $119. His web address is www.classicconsoles.com and phone, (229) 377 6240.

Tallahassee Chassee

April 2010

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Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Old Antique Automobile Museum beginning at 6:00 PM. Program - Lively Vocational - New car repair and requirements Respectfully submitted by: Lois Duley standing in for John Schanbacher

From the Editor’s Desk

Blast from the Past

I love this time of year but hate it at the same time. The weather is great for working on the old cars and even getting out and driving them with the windows and tops down! The bad part is this infernal snow fall we get each spring! At least its as thick as a snowfall, but it looks orange and causes sneezing and sinus headaches. Yep, the pollen has arrived! The next couple months are chock full of activities for the club to participate in. There’s no excuse for staying home when we have something happening each weekend in April and continuing into May and June. You can begin with our monthly cruise-in to the Sonic— Hardees on Apr 3rd. April 10th has two car shows and a cruisein. We’ve been invited to return to Madison, FL on the 17th for their Down Home Days Car Show and Parade (last year was really nice!). Our club tour for April is scheduled for Apr 24 with a trip north to Lakeland, GA for their annual Milltown Murals Motorcade. The month of May brings us the Quincy Fest Annual Blues & Barbeque Event held on the Courthouse Square on the 1st. The next weekend is the Great Southern Antique Car Rally in Cairo, GA. Don’t forget the Havana Cruise-In for the Troops on the 29th of May. So, what are you waiting for. Air ‘em out, wipe off the pollen, polish ‘em up and gas ‘n go! See you out there. Your Editor, Bob

This penny postcard was sent to a Ford customer in 1929. How about those prices? But remember a new Ford roadster could be bought then for about $385 and the annual wage for 2/3 of US workers was less than $2500. I guess its all relative!

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Tallahassee Chassee

April 2010

When Jim was asked what dream car he would like to have in his garage his reply was a 1964 Chevelle Malibu color blue and Peggy would like a 50 something Rolls Royce.

At that last garage, when they hollered “git!”, I did not stop running till I got to Thomasville Ga. I didn’t find any roses but did find 2 peaches of a car. A 1931 Model A Tudor called “Lula B” and a 1957 Mercury Montclair known as “Rosebud”. They belong to Peggy and Jim Tyson. When you check the picture, you will see that something is not right, the Model A is in the garage with a modern car and the Mercury is out under a tent. Hopefully this arrangement is only temporary. This day the Mercury was borrowed from the repair and restoration shop and brought home for pictures. I don’t know what the final parking arrangements will be but I hope the Mercury ends up next to the Model A. Jim and Peggy have been members of TRAACA since September 0f 2005. Jim is retired. Before retiring, Jims spent his last 11 years as the owner of a Baskin Robins Ice Cream Store. Do you know why there were 31 flavors? Peggy is still working giving private piano lessons in her home. She also plays for church and other functions in her community. Jim was showing his Model A at a show in Thomasville when Charter Member John Wells stopped and convinced him to join our club. Shortly thereafter, Jim talked Peggy into attending the meeting with him. We are sure glad he did.

When asked if they had a special car story. Jim recalls shortly before graduating from high school he was leaving a brochure in his father chair so he was sure to find it. Jim wanted a car for graduation. You guessed it….The brochure was for a 1964 Chevelle Malibu, color blue. After decorating his father’s chair several times with the brochure Dad finally said to Jim,” well lets go look at it”. The dealer did not have a blue one but only green. Jim thought to himself that green would be ok but when his father got in the car his hat touched the headliner and he did not like the car. As luck would have it, on the show room floor was a yellow 1964 Nova Super Sport The first year for the V-8! Yep, Happy Graduation. Peggy tells the story of traveling with her father from their home in Louisiana to visit her uncle in Texas driving a 1957 Mercury Monterey. Do you remember looking at the speedometers then and wondering if the car would go as fast as the speedometer indicated? Well Peggy was no different; she asked her dad, “Do you think the car will go 100mph?” Can you imagine this; “well, lets find out” was her father‘s reply. So she did. It did go 100 mph. She thinks her father’s reasoning was that he would rather she get her answer with him in the car then someone else. Jim would like to see the TRAACA do a once a month how-to tech session and possibly some brain storming on members cars with a problem that need to be diagnosed. Peggy would like more tours and to meet people . She also thinks a picture roster with the members cars and owners together would be good. Well before they yell “git!” I gotta go. No fire hydrants here. P.S. Back to the 31 flavors. A different one for everyday of the month!

Tallahassee Chassee

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An airboat ride!

At the Everglades Park

The judges “hard at work”.

"Car-Guys Can Do Flowers Too!" by - Cheryl Bartell On February 12, 2010, four intrepid gentlemen from TRAACA made their way to the Tallahassee Garden Club. Earlier I had made an announcement about a program called "Men Impress Your Sweethearts”. This was a “you-make-it-and take-it" flower arranging program just for men to make Valentine arrangements. It was the brainchild of past Tallahassee Garden Club president, Joy Hevey. I've been teaching it for four years now as the February session in our "Fun With Flowers" series of programs. The goal is to learn and have fun and have something beautiful to take home. To his credit, Russ Haines was the first to sign up, but he had to be out of town that evening. However, John Schanbacher took Russ's place. Richard Duley, Gary Edwards and Tom Link also came, ready to brave the unknown and motivated by the browniepoints they would earn with this unique Valentines gift. That evening there were several men who had attended this event in previous years too. But you can always spot the "firsttimers". They are the ones with that "deer-caught-in-the-headlights" look on their faces. I assure them that we floral designers also use "mechanics" (the tools and components used to assemble and hold the flowers are called "mechanics"). I also assure them that we'll go step-by-step and it's easier than rebuilding a carburetor. At this point they still look doubtful, but they begin on their arrangements. I really enjoy watching their faces as they work. As the design takes shape, they relax, begin to smile and as they finish, they all have big, proud grins on their faces. The results are always beautiful. The magic ingredients, love and babies breath, guarantee success. The guys have every right to be proud of their new accomplishment. This year there was a dad and his nine-year old son who told mom they were "going to the movies" to guarantee a surprise. I later heard that the little boy was so excited that before dad could get his car door open the boy was inside presenting the flowers. Dad said he "missed seeing the surprise, but she was really thrilled." So next year, when I make the announcement about signing up for this event, you gentlemen of the TRAACA will have the opportunity to "Impress Your Sweethearts" and add a new style of mechanics to your repertoire.

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Using One Of My Dad’s Favorite Sayings, “So Long, Boys” BY EARL D. BEAUCHAMP, JR. VP – National Headquarters, 2009 In February, 2010 I finished fifteen years of service to AACA. My journey began in April, 1962 when I joined the Club, full of excited interest in old cars of the 1930s and 1940s. I was but 23 years old at the time, and where I grew up, in Arlington, Virginia, I had never seen more than five or six cars older than 1932, so the world of older antique cars was entirely new to me. I began to learn about them, and enjoy them, as well as the ways of AACA. I learned to enjoy and respect the cars built before 1932, but over the next 48 years I only came to own one, a 1931 Hudson 8 that I did not finish restoring. Over these 48 years, I’ve been part of the flea market world, mail order parts world, Region leadership world, Region founding world, National Meet and Tour world, restoration world, club founding world, AACA leadership world and old car editorial and authoring world. You could say, “I’ve been there and done that” with regard to a great number of facets of the old car hobby. And I’ll tell you, it’s been a great ride, and if you’re still a younger enthusiast, take this from me, get involved and you’ll have a lifetime experience that will light up your entire life. Become a part of your Region or Chapter leadership, help make this hobby last well on past your lifetime, if not forever. You could move up the line as I was fortunate to do, but at any level of membership, you can make a difference. You will be surprised at the satisfaction it will bring you over your lifetime. When I first joined the AACA, back in 1962, I was astounded to find that the cars I was most interested in, built from 19361942 were not allowed, not considered antique cars, or even recognized as interesting old cars. These experiences I encountered from gentlemen my father’s age set my psyche for the rest of my old car life. Rather than turn me off, it turned me on to becoming involved and working for change. Over these 48 years I’ve seen an astonishing change in our hobby and our club, and I’ve been involved in a lot of it. The 1936 cars finally came into AACA in 1968 and the cars 25 years old came on board in 1974. I saw the AACA Glidden Tours moved up from 1929 to 1932 to 1935 and only recently to 1942. I was not a leader in any of these Glidden Tour changes, but I approved of them. Then, in 1994 I was approached to be a nominee to AACA office. I’ve got to say, that this was the greatest honor I was ever given in the hobby to that time, and I was extraordinarily humble at being elected to begin service on the AACA National Board in 1995. Being re-elected five straight times certainly was a tremendous honor, too. Eventually serving as National President in 2004 was a high honor I would never have imagined in…let’s say 1980. Along the way, I have met and served

April 2010

with a number of really talented and dedicated people I have truly felt privileged to know. Yes, it’s been a great ride, and I hope members feel I’ve served honestly, honorably and with good character during my time here. Of my accomplishments while on the Board, I do not view being President as the high water mark, but it is the AACA Sentimental Tour (1928-1958), which I designed and so strongly worked to achieve approval for, that I view as my greatest accomplishment in the old car hobby. Secondly, my other most satisfying experience is having served on the selection committee that selected Steve Moskowitz as our current Executive Director. Finally, enjoying knowing so many members of AACA can never be topped. So, as I leave office, I’m the same old guy, who is still mesmerized by those 1936-1942 cars. I’m still an enthusiastic AACA member, who remains excited by the old car hobby you and I enjoy. So, you’ll be seeing Judy and me around, at a lot of events yet to come, as long as our health holds out. In closing, as Bob Hope used to say, “Thanks for the Memories”.

AACA Celebrates Its Diamond Jubilee In 2010, AACA will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. It seems appropriate for us to celebrate; we have come a long way since our beginning. AACA was founded on November 4, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when fourteen men (and the wife of one) gathered in the auditorium of the Automobile Club of Philadelphia to start a club that now has membership near 60,000 and maintains the greatest activities, programs and benefits than any other antique automobile club in the hobby. A dedicated committee of individuals has been planning for our celebration and we could use some help from our local chapters, regions and members. We have decided on a multi-day event June 30th – July 3rd 2010, in Louisville, Kentucky. The National organization is co-hosting the event with the Kyana Region. We selected the mid-west to try to include as many members as possible from all directions of the United States. We haven’t ignored our further away and international members; our headquarters hotel and show venue is adjacent to the Louisville International Airport for convenient travel. We would like this to be both a touring and show event, so tours are planned for part of the week, and on the last day, there will be a grand car show that is both judged and nonjudged. We are encouraging our members to get those cars out and get them to Louisville! Concerned about the weather? The car show will be indoors in a beautiful climate controlled facility. We are also planning a special commemorative item for those that participate. The event will close with a special Anniversary Awards Reception Saturday afternoon. Plus, there are many other things to do and places to see in the area like Six Flags amusement park, Churchill Downs and the beautiful Lexington, Kentucky area and Horse Park. The Louisville community is excited to have us visit.

Tallahassee Chassee

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Club Tour to Birdsong Sanctuary and Cairo

Breakfast stop at our favorite drive in.

Surprise showing at Birdsong (they weren’t expecting us!)

This used to be a real working farm as well as a Nature Preserve.

Some of the fine vehicles on display at the Cairo Auto Museum.

World War II display.

Some real classic bicycles in the museum.

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Tallahassee Chassee

April 2010

measured from the strap nearest the positive post and the probe on the positive post.

Collecting Vintage Tools X Battery Test Tools Lets go back in time to when automobiles had 6 volt batteries and DC generators. Back then you had to actively maintain your battery or you might not get your engine started, especially in cold climates. I can remember trying to start my 1931 Durant in the Winter (this car was transportation for me in the 1960's). Even if I kept the battery warm and charged in the house, it would still crank slowly. As a precaution, I would try to park on a down hill when I was away from the house so that I could use gravity to help start the car. Back then I started carrying a volt meter as part of my tool repertoire. There was more to it than measuring 6 volts between the terminals. The battery is composed of 3 cells, with each cell strapped in series at the top of the battery. Each cell provides slightly more than 2 volts so that a charged battery should measure approximately 6.5 volts. This first picture shows a Willard Charge Tester. The top wire is connected to the negative battery terminal and the probe (marked positive) is stuck into the first cell strap. Today you can't see these straps in modern batteries. This tester measures voltage on each cell and is calibrated up to 2.8 volts. The scale is color coded for voltage ranges to show red (discharged) below 1.95 volts, yellow (1.95 - 2.05 volts) and green (2.05- 2.14 volts). Measurement of the middle cell requires that the wire and probe to be moved to the center straps. The 3rd cell is

This picture shows cell testers made by 3 different manufactures. All have wood handles, a wavy metal strap between 2 probes and a voltmeter connected between the probes. These testers also measure cell voltage but differ from the previous tester in that they impose a resistive load. The probes are pushed into the top straps just like above, however, polarity (+ & -) is not a concern as the volt meters have the needle in the center position which can move in either direction. They are calibrated with a center dead/bad zone, a discharged/weak zone (less than 1.4 volts) and a charged/good zone (1.4 - 1.8 volts). These voltage ranges are less than the above open circuit voltages since the cells are being tested while supplying current thru the wavy metal strap between the probes.

The last picture show a hydrometer which measures specific gravity of a liquid sucked up by the rubber bulb. Inside the glass tube is a weighted float which sits shallower or deeper in the liquid depending on its specific gravity. In the automotive world a hydrometer is used to check antifreeze, fuel mixtures and battery charge. The electrolyte made up of water and sulfuric acid of fully charged lead/acid battery should read 1.260 corrected for temperature. One time back in 1965 while trying to start my 1931 Durant I removed the front seat to gain access to the battery. The electrolyte level was correct and the voltages appeared good but it wouldn't start. I connected up my battery charger and positioned myself in the drivers position, but had to press against the back of the seat since the seat bottom was removed. When I hit the starter button with my foot there was a small explosion from the top of the battery. Apparently hydrogen gas, a result of the charging, was ignited by a spark from a poor battery connection. My problem was that corrosion on the positive battery post was preventing full power to the starter. I was embarrassed the next time I wore those pants after being washed as the seat of the pants fell apart due to a reaction with the battery acid.

Craig McCollum

Tallahassee Chassee

April 2010

From your Reporters in the field: Ramblings and Rovings of Junkyard Dog & Fluffy Junkyard Dog made this trip as a appraiser while Fluffy was in the kennels. I was given the location by a club member who was interested in buying a old car if the price was right. Found in an old downtown theater was some old iron being stored and worked on at times with stuff and junk everywhere. In the collection of 2 Ford Bronco's, 2 Jeeps, 2 T-Birds, 1 VW Thing, 3 Cushman Scooters (ticket maid style) couple of boats and a area full of 57 T-Bird parts, w/2 Y-blocks. Chassis was completely done and body blocked out to be detailed. One friendly owner who was ready to start selling everything. Yes, you are reading correctly. He will price and deal to move just about anything. For more details you may want to call Dan Stallings the new 57 T-Bird owner, before calling owner Burt Thomas 229-254-1004

1971 Ford Bronco

1945 Willys Jeep 4x4

Dan and his latest acquisition—57 TBird

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Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America

169 Mulberry Circle Crawfordville, FL 32327-2278 Phone: 850-284-0635 Email: [email protected]

Traveling in the Past and Present

We’re on the Web! http://traaca.org

Next Meeting at Old Antique Auto Museum April 13, 2010 6:00 pm Dinner 6:45 pm Meeting

Program Lively Vocational Tech Automobile Repair Instructors New car repair and requirements

Monthly Cruise-Ins Sonic/Hardees on North Monroe 1st Saturday each Month (just north of Capital Circle) Whataburger Drive-In on Thomasville Road 2nd Sat—Ford & Chevy Clubs Last Sat—Street Rod Club Whataburger on Apalachee Parkway 3rd Sat each month

National and Regional Events April 2010 8-11 - Charlotte, NC - AACA Southeastern Spring Meet - Hornets Nest Region 8-11 - Charlotte, NC - Hornets Nest Region - Charlotte AutoFair. 704-841-1990; www.charlotte-autofair.com May 2010 Annual Grand National Meet—First Capital Chapter—New Bern, NC

June 2010

7-11—Founders Tour (1932-85 Vehicles) - Western Pa. Region, Greensburg, Pa. 30-Jul 1—Special AACA 75th Anniversary Meet—Kyana Region, Louisville, KY